The western Orphean warbler is an Old World warbler of the genus Curruca. This species occurs in summer around the Mediterranean, through western Europe and extending into northwest Africa. It is migratory, wintering in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a rare vagrant to northern and north-western Europe.
Region
Mediterranean Basin
Typical Environment
Breeds in open woodlands, maquis and garrigue scrub, olive groves, orchards, and forest edges around the Mediterranean and into western Europe and northwest Africa. Prefers mosaic landscapes with scattered trees and dense shrubs for cover. During migration and winter it uses dry savanna, acacia scrub, thornbush, and semi-open woodland across the Sahel and adjacent zones. Nests are usually placed low to mid-level in shrubs or small trees. It avoids dense, closed-canopy forests and very treeless habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Among the largest of the typical warblers, the Western Orphean warbler has a strong bill and a rich, fluty song that inspired its classical name. It breeds around the Mediterranean and in parts of western Europe, then migrates to the Sahel and savanna zones of sub‑Saharan Africa for winter. Adults show a striking pale eye that contrasts with a darker facial mask. They feed mainly on insects in spring and summer, adding fruits and berries later in the season.
Eggs
Cuculus canorus bangsi (Cuckoo) egg in a Sylvia hortensis clutch
Temperament
alert and somewhat skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights
Social Behavior
Typically encountered singly or in pairs on breeding territories. Monogamous pairs build a neat cup nest in dense shrubbery or small trees, laying 3–5 eggs. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species foraging groups in scrub and woodland edges.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A rich, mellow warble with fluty phrases delivered from cover or an exposed perch; phrases are varied and can be sustained. Calls include sharp tacks and harsher scolding notes when alarmed.
Plumage
Plain grey-brown above with clean whitish underparts and a contrasting white throat; males show a darker grey hood and mask.
Diet
Takes insects and other invertebrates such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders, gleaned from foliage and branches. In late summer and autumn it adds fruits and berries, including grapes, figs, and olives when available. Occasionally snaps small prey in short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shrub layers, woodland edges, orchards, and olive groves, often moving methodically through dense cover. In winter it uses acacia scrub and open woodland with berry-bearing shrubs.
